During the months of February and March 2009 Waterloo Police officers conducted the second phase of tobacco compliance checks of Waterloo businesses that hold tobacco sales permits. Eighty-seven compliance checks were performed and of those, ten individuals were cited for selling tobacco products to an under age person. This translates to an 88% compliance rating.

Those persons cited for selling tobacco to a minor and the businesses where the violation occurred are as follows:

The fine for this violation, a simple misdemeanor, is $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $500 for the third offense. The business is also subject to a civil penalty.

During both phases of these checks, the first of which took place from November 2008 through the first part of February 2009, a total of one hundred and ninety-four businesses were checked, with sixteen clerks cited for selling. The net result is a 92% compliance rating. The statewide compliance rating average reported last year was also 92%.

The Waterloo Police Department participates in the "Iowa Pledge Tobacco Enforcement Project," which is administered by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. Officers will continue to check for violations based on a complaint basis until the next phase of checks occurs later this year.

Captain John BeckmanWaterloo Police DepartmentThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.319-291-4383